Woof Guro Crafty, It is my understanding that a part of the idea of a gathering is that the fighters rely on their fighting skills to protect them. (not pads)

I have two first time fighters comming with me and have encouraged them to fight with little or no pads. To my knowledge they will onley be wearing gloves.It would be unfortunate (IMHO) for these first time fighters to end up fighting guys that are all padded up.Is their any rule on this? Dog Tom

Woof, "Higher consciousness through harder contact"I'am not against small pads, but lets face it you can walk through most shots even with the wrestling "sliders" .Just my opinion, but I think pads are kind of like steriods......they give an advantage to those who do use them.Then again it forces me to choose? weather to use the same advantage and wear the pads....or to take my chances and try to compete without them.

I would say pads plus a skilled fighter, is a serious advantage to be wary of.....Its actually so much so, that I'am considering going out and buying some pads, before sunday. Dog Tom

Also, Jeremy is Co-starring in the medical DVD I am working on. I'll have my raw footage for to give to Crafty on Sunday.

Correction:

Jeremy informed me last night that he "Faxed" in he registration form.

I am behind the curve here, but will also be sending in my Fighter registration form ASAP. I'll test my gimp fighting style, but admit that I will be taping the %$#@ out of my knee, just to save falling and crying like a wuss infront of my Brothers.

*Heck, the damage is done and I get surgery on Tuesday anyway. There's no way the demons inside me will let me just watch. Tried that at my first gathering and they got the best of me then.

See you all on sunday with Med Bag in hand....

"Stick and Stones..."

WOOF

DD

PSCD,

Do we know if there will be any other EMT types working with me to ensure the wellness of our Warriors? (ie David "Adventure"). I have not heard from hm in a short while.

PPS

JunkYard Dog, Dog Pound, I would love a rematch.

Also looking to play with the Shock Knives this time around.

I wont be to skippy, but this Pup has still got a few tricks (ticks) in his fur.

I think that padding is a matter of personal preference. I haven't seen anyone fight in heavy padding, but have seen plenty of "sliders" of both the elbow and knee variety. I'd say if your guys are used to going at it un-padded, let 'em at it.

Good luck to all guys this Sunday!! I'll be up in Nor Cal until mid Sept, but I spoke to Crafty about picking things up again when I get home. Last I heard, there was a Texan out there looking for a rematch with me

My first timer was wondering who to line up a first time fight with, etc... That got me to thinking that in the future, maybe that info could be posted ahead of time on the public registered fighters list. Hoping to promote more prefight discussion and preset fight agreements between the players. (Informal of course).

Just a thought...

I know in reality, we dont have the luxury of choosing our attackers Ht/Wt/etc... But for first timers, this may be a means to create chatter.

For matching height/weight, just look to Roger Tinkoff (C-Space Dog). He challenged and fought Tom Kier for a single stick fight at his first Gathering. A 2x weight and strength difference is a true Gathering experience. Granted, that's tougher to find for the larger guys.

My student Mauricio of Mexico City is looking for double stick fights.

Changing subjects, our friend David Knight of Hermosa Beach needs a ride to and from the Gathering. If someone could help him out that would be great. His phone number is 310-404-3815. I've just left a message telling him I will be posting here about him so he shouldn't be surprised to hear from you. Thanks.